United Way sets record-high fundraising goal

The United Way of the Lowcountry has kicked off its 2011 fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $2.8 million – the most ever.

“We raised $2,415,150 last year. We are pulling no punches this year, committing to raise the amount of money needed by our partner agencies to do the work that’s needed by people in this community,” Jill Briggs, United Way of the Lowcountry executive vice president, said Thursday afternoon.

The nonprofit serving Beaufort and Jasper counties kicked off its 2011 Annual Community Campaign at 10 a.m. Thursday in Sun City’s Pinckney Hall.

Elizabeth Lamkin, the new board chairman, said the measure of success will be in the impact made upon the communities.

“United Way of the Lowcountry does the critical but largely invisible work required to reach community goals around issues of education, health and nutrition, income and shelter; recruiting volunteers, securing commitments for action, mobilizing resources to get the job done,” a campaign news release said.

The kickoff recognized 130 companies and United Way partner agencies running pacesetter campaigns, early workplace campaigns that jump-start fundraising before the general campaign opens.

Lamkin filled the chairman vacancy created by the Aug. 29 death of Beaufort banker Scott Stowe. The CEO of PACE Healthcare Commons LLC, she is a longtime United Way volunteer and has served on its board since 2006.

“Scott Stowe cannot truly be replaced, but sometimes we are asked to step up and do our special part for our community,” Lamkin said. “This year the campaign is about each one of us stepping up in his honor.”

Contributions to United Way of the Lowcountry immediately fund partnerships with 32 local charities and 42 programs. The money stays in Beaufort and Jasper counties, according to the release.

“We have extraordinary leadership for this year’s campaign,” Lamkin said. “Peter Post is leading the northern Beaufort County Campaign; Phyllis Doyle heads the Bluffton and Jasper County campaign, Mike Petrilli is presiding over the Hilton Head Island campaign, and Bonnie Bennett is vice chair of the Jasper County campaign. They have all recruited excellent teams to work with them and are looking to make this campaign an inspiring success.”

“We are all in this together,” said Clarece Walker, president and chief professional officer of United Way of the Lowcountry. “We connect people across our landscape of marshes and rivers to improve the foundations of our communities. It takes an entire community to make a difference, and we need you.”

Doyle said, “We are focusing on our message that everyone in Beaufort and Jasper counties should and can participate in this campaign for the common good. If every person in Beaufort and Jasper counties would help to the extent they are able, this campaign would change the world for lots of local people.”

Petrilli said, “Our partnerships with 32 local agencies and 42 programs represent an impactful focus on issues that matter to the people who live in this area.

“I have seen firsthand, as a community investment volunteer, that our partner agencies employ passionate, committed, experienced and talented professionals who make measureable changes in the lives of people who live and work in Beaufort and Jasper counties.”

According to Post, “Our volunteers are at the top of the list, too. It is impossible to find more dedicated people than those who help with United Way, and especially this Annual Community Campaign. All the way around, working with United Way contributors, volunteers and partner agencies is a real inspiration.”